Modscape FAQS

DESIGN & MATERIALS

Where can I see your houses?

Our factory and display are located in Brooklyn, just a 12 minute drive from the centre of Melbourne. A member of the Modscape team will be happy to show you through our display suite to help you get a feel for the space and benefits of the way we approach prefabricated modular construction. You are welcome to visit without an appointment from 10am–4pm Monday–Friday, or 9am–1pm Saturday. If you would like to discuss a specific project in more detail, or are travelling from interstate, please call us in advance so we can ensure you make the most of your visit. You can contact us on either 61+3 9314 7769 or info@Modscape.com.au.

What materials do you use to construct your homes?

Each Modscape home is constructed from materials that are recycled, reconstituted or sustainably sourced. Recycled steel is used for our steel frames and the structural insulated panels that form the basis of the floor, wall and ceiling components of each module are crafted using recycled expanded polystyrene sandwiched between 2 sheets of recycled Colorbond steel. The pacific teak timber used to clad some projects is sourced from sustainable plantation forests, and our floors are comprised of engineered hardwood timbers on a floating base. All windows and glass doors are double-glazed as a standard, and our paints are all low VOC. For a full list of the materials we use, refer to our Standard Specifications list.

What heating and cooling options do I have?

Heating and cooling options are not part of a set of standard inclusions in a Modscape design as requirements differ greatly depending on both location and project usage. Open fireplaces, pot belly stoves, gas fires and hydronic heating are all popular heating options while ceiling fans and, sometimes, air-conditioning systems are the most common cooling options. We will work with you to establish the best cost and energy solution for your project.

Can I choose the finishes for my Modscape home?

Definitely. We have a wide range of finish options for your Modscape home but you definitely don't need to be limited by these. External cladding, roof shape, internal wall finishes, floor coverings, paint colours, bench tops, fixtures and appliances can all be chosen to meet individual requirements, and clients are welcome to supply their own items for inclusion should they wish to do so. One of our Modscape team members will be happy to go through the range of options available to you when you contact us or visit our display centre at Brooklyn.

What is the standard ceiling height of your modules?

The standard ceiling height of each Modscape module is 2.7m (9ft). For ceiling heights above this, or for cathedral or mezzanine style designs, we can stack modules to create greater ceiling heights.

What is the standard size of your modules?

We do not have a standard size module as all modules are customised to suit each design. Typically a module can range in from 2.0m to 5.0m in width and from 2.0m to 15.0m in length. Most Modscape designs use a combination of module sizes to create a design. Modules that fit within these dimensions enable us to keep the cost of transport to a minimum however if a design requires dimensions in excess of these parameters it can be assessed on a job by job basis.

How much commercial work does Modscape do?

Approximately 40% of the work we do is for commercial applications. Our modular concept offers significant cost and time advantages over conventional construction methods and can be applied in a diverse range of commercial sectors including mining, defence housing, educational facilities, aged care & student accommodation.

Can I add to my Modscape home in the future?

Yes. Because they are modular both in concept and design, our constructions are extremely easy to add to in the future and we frequently design projects for clients that are built in different stages. This means you can build what you can afford now and add to it later.

Can I design my own Modscape home?

Absolutely! The Modscape concept is "space" rather than "floor plan" which means that your home can be constructed exactly as you'd like it. The floor plans on our website will give you some examples of the configurations available for homes with different accommodation needs but they are not a range you need to choose from. We know that each of our clients has their own requirements for their own sites, and that this requires complete flexibility in design.

LOGISTICS, SITE & ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Can I relocate my Modscape home?

Most definitely! One of the benefits of these homes is that they are fully transportable, so if you decide to change the location of your residence or holiday destination, you can take your house with you. Modscape can arrange relocation packages on your behalf. Typically however, our homes are designed and installed as permanent buildings.

Is a Modscape home suitable for extreme climatic conditions i.e. alpine/desert regions?

Definitely. The Structurally Insulated Panels that form the "shell" of each Modscape design generate a thermal property that makes them an ideal choice for extreme climatic conditions. With “R” values of 2.8 in the floors, 3.5 in the walls and 5.7 in the ceilings in combination with double glazed windows and doors the ambient temperature of a Modscape space is both constant and comfortable with very little requirement for additional heating and cooling.

How long will it take to build and install my Modscape home?

From the date of issue of the Building Permit, your Modscape home will be scheduled into our factory program and then built and installed within 12 weeks. Installation of the modules usually takes 1 day, and a further 7–10 days is generally required for site works.

Do I need to have my site specially prepared?

The Modscape Installation team will install the screw piles required for your project. In some instances, additional site preparation will be required and this will have an associated cost, however our Modscape team will be happy to help you address this need should it arise.

What is the energy star rating of your modules?

Our homes meet 6 star energy rating requirements before they leave our factory however it is common for our homes to achieve a much higher energy rating once they are installed on site.

How is my Modscape home so much better for the environment than other homes?

Through a careful process of planning and design, every step of construction and subsequent use of these homes has been considered in terms of its impact on the environment. Site preparation is minimal, meaning less disruption to flora, fauna and neighbouring areas, and the screw piling technique we use means there is no need for earth moving or compacting. Having the construction take place in a factory rather than on-site minimises noise, rubbish, dust, and debris and maximises the quality of the final product; this means less repairs and re-work in years to come. All materials used in the construction of our homes are recycled, reconstituted or sourced/created sustainably. Rain water tanks are an optional feature for all of our homes, as are other environmentally conscious services such as solar hot water or solar/wind power. The quantum of insulation resulting from the
Structurally Insulated Panels and double glazing we use means the ambient temperature of our homes is more stable and less prone to extremes (thus requiring less heating and cooling). And finally, the appliances we use and recommend all have maximum energy and efficiency ratings, and are included in the price of the homes.

What are screw piles?

Screw piles are steel foundations that are wound into the earth until they meet a predetermined engineering torque. They are a widely used foundation system and negate the need to clear the site to create a level section of land for construction purposes. From an environmental perspective, the screw pile foundation system has the least impact. It also minimises the need for expensive site preparation.

Will my project require a crane for installation?

Projects located on sloping sites, with difficult site access or involving more than a single storey will require a crane. If these conditions don’t apply then it’s likely the trucks carrying your modules will be able to reverse in between the screw piles and lower your modules down into position.

How do you ensure your homes aren’t damaged when they are being transported?

All of our homes are trucked to their destination in complete sections and placed directly onto your prepared site. The exceptionally strong steel frames used for each section of our designs in conjunction with the completely inflexible Structurally Insulated Panels in the floors, walls and ceilings enable our modules to withstand much greater stressors than would be possible with on-site construction. Rigorous testing procedures ensure that each home arrives at its destination in the same condition in which it left the factory.

Do I need to arrange for services to be connected to my Modscape home?

Your project will need to be serviced either by mains or stand-alone facilites. Most clients choose to have Modscape manage these arrangements on their behalf however you are welcome to make these arrangements yourself should you prefer to do so. We will discuss these options with you at the time of your Project Consultation.

How are the modules connected on site?

Once completed, our modules are transported individually to your site, where they are placed into position, by either crane or truck, and then grounded using a screw pile foundation system. The modules are then bolted or welded together with a seamless finish on the floor and a completely waterproof expressed joint or reveal between wall and ceiling joins.

Can I have a Modscape home in a remote location?

Every Modscape home has the capability of operating completely “off grid” so they are the ideal choice for remote locations. Access is the only factor that can prevent Modscape from being the right outcome for a remote site but if trucks can gain access then it’s likely Modscape will be able to create a fantastic solution for your remote site.

Are Modscape homes suitable for sloping sites?

Absolutely. The screw pile system we use for our foundations is height adjustable and makes Modscape a great solution for sloping sites. Additional costs may be incurred for very steep sites if additional steel is required to achieve the required structural support and elevation. A crane will also be required to install modules onto a sloping site and the cost of this will be determined by the complexity of the lift.

PERMITS, COMPLIANCE AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

How does Modscape manage interstate projects?

Modscape have installed projects all over Australia so we are very familiar with the issues involved in working at a geographical distance from ou clients. Our clients are frequently updated via phone and internet on the progress of their project whether it is in town planning, design and development, or construction, and the need to travel interstate is confined to the key decision making stages only.

Can Modscape do complete Project Management?

Absolutely. The highly-planned process involved in creating a Modscape home means all parties are clear on who does what and when. We will always oversee your project from design through to installation, ensuring you are informed and consulted along the way, but can additionally undertake the town planning element of your project at the start as well as any landscaping and site works required at the end. One project, one team.

Do I need a soil report?

A soil report is required for each project and will be obtained by Modscape on your behalf. The cost of your soil report is included in your total project cost but should the soil conditions on your site be atypical, it may be necessary to commission additional geotechnical reports at an additional cost to the client.

Can Modscape homes comply with Bushfire regulations?

Yes. Our constructions meet the requirements of the first 2 Bushfire Assessment Levels (BAL) without the need for any alteration but can be made compliant with all BAL’s through to, and including, Flame Zone if required.

Do Modscape homes meet Cyclone Building codes?

Yes. Modscape homes can meet Cyclone Building codes at all levels and we have installed several projects on the coast of North Western Australia where our homes were easily able to meet these mandatory standards. The steel frame we use as the basis for each element of our designs provides the required structural integrity to meet Cyclone Building codes Australia wide. Double glazed windows, the option of external shutters and built-in inclusions further contribute to making Modscape an excellent choice for constructions in cyclone affected areas.

Can Modscape assist with the process of subdivision?

Land subdivision will ultimately be determined by your local Council or Land Surveyor however Modscape can assist with the process of subdivision by drafting and submitting plans to Council on your behalf and offering advice on the best method of approach to this process.

Do I have to apply for a Building Permit?

We do this for you. The cost of the Building Permit is included in the cost of your project

Can Modscape obtain a Planning Permit for me?

Yes. Modscape can submit a Planning application on your behalf and follow this through to the issue of your Planning Permit. There is a small additional cost for this service based on the level of complexity involved.

Will I need a Planning Permit?

Your local Council will advise whether or not you need a planning permit. They will take into account heritage factors, the size of your block, the building envelope and the size of the home you are planning to build.

PRICING, WARRANTIES & FINANCE

How much will I save in running costs by choosing a Modscape home?

Depending on design, your Modscape home could have no running costs at all. At the very minimum, as a result of the way each module is designed, you can expect to save at least 20–30% on your standard water and energy bills.

How much extra would it cost to have solar panels?

The additional cost for solar panels will depend on the size of your home and the number and type of appliances you have. For a standard 3 bedroom home you could expect the cost to be around $20,000–$40,000 for a full grid solution.

Can I arrange financing through Modscape?

Yes. Financing for prefabricated construction is difficult to secure but, if a client can secure pre-approval for a loan from their bank, Modscape can offer private equity to fund the 3 month build, and transfer this to the pre-approved loan facility once the modules are installed on site.

Are Modscape homes eligible for the 1st Home Buyers grant?

Yes. Our homes are certainly eligible for the 1st Home Buyers grant but one thing you should be aware of as a first home owner is that banks will only lend money for prefabricated constructions if the borrower has equity equal to the amount being borrowed.

What is the cost of a crane?

Not all projects will require a crane but for those that do, this cost is additional to the cost of your project. The cost of a crane is determined by the complexity of the lift involved. Simple lifts are likely to cost $5K - $10K and more complex lifts $15K - $25K. For rooftop installations this figure can be higher.

What is the cost of transportation?

Transport for each module is included within 150km of our Brooklyn factory, however, for distances beyond this the cost of transport is calculated per kilometre. If your project falls outside of the 150km radius of Brooklyn it is likely each module will cost somewhere between $3K (for distances up to 300km from Brooklyn) and $20K (to the Kimberley)

What guarantees and warranties will I get with my Modscape home?

All Modscape homes come with a 7-year Home Owners Warranty as required by Victorian law.

How is your pricing structured?

The cost of each Modscape project is simply the sum of the parts. Our Standard Inclusions form the basis of each project costing with additional items such as heating and cooling, decking and finish upgrades all priced if required. Clients can include anything they like in their Modscape home and either supply it themselves or have Modscape source it for them at wholesale rates. Our aim is to ensure our clients know exactly what they're getting and how much it will cost, with no surprises along the way.